Using public transport during your stay in the Algarve is an option you may wish to explore. It is inexpensive and fairly punctual, but does require a little research before you set off.

EVA buses (www.eva-bus.com) run a good local and regional service. The company also offers services to Lisbon, as does Rede Nacional de Expressos www.rede-expressos.pt. Buses are clean and prices reasonable. The local services within resorts can be a little more haphazard. However, some towns such as Albufeira and Portimão, have new shuttle type services covering the town and close resorts. For example the "Vai Vem" in Portimão serves not only the town but also Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau and Alvor. Buses run every 30 minutes and a day pass costs 3,50 €.

The trains in Portugal are run by the Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses www.cp.pt. They are clean, cheap and punctual. You can travel right across the Algarve, from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border, by local train. Although not the fastest way to cover ground, the trains’ routes often offer much better scenery than the highways, and the pace is definitely more relaxed.

Intercity Bus

Vai eVem Portimão: €1.50 Ticket valid for 1 Hour and for all routes
                                     €3.50 1 day pass unlimited travel on all routes
Giro-Albufeira:            €1.10
                                      €3.50 I day pass unlimited travel
Onda-Lagos:              €1.50 Ticket valid for 1 hour and for all routes
                                     €4.50 1 day pass unlimited travel all routes
Express Bus Lagos to Seville:  €20.00 One way
                                      €34.00 Return
Algarve to Lisbon:    €19.00 One way
                                     €34.20 Return

Coastline Bus Lagos to Faro  €5.40 One way
                                     €10.80 Return
Tourist Pass:  €25.80 Valid for 3 days

Train

Express Faro to Lisbon: €28.00 1st Class One Way

€21.00 2nd Class One Way
Intercity Faro to Lisbon: €24.50 1st Class One Way

€18.50 2nd Class One Way
Regional Faro to Lagos €5.90 One Way